Riverbank Farm Equine

28/05/2026

Another fabulous jumping Clinic today, they did so well! Very proud of their progress!

02/05/2026

So proud of Jack yesterday! A couple of weeks ago we competed in our first working equitation ribbon day for quite some time, and he stepped up a grade to prelim . We ended up taking the win.… Today was the final in the series , and again he tried his little heart out, and although there is plenty to work on, he was super willing and ended up first again, taking out the champion for the series. (to be fair, it is a pretty small class at this level… and because the ribbon day was held at our property, I guess we have a Home advantage ..but I was super happy with how he went anyway)
I was also very proud of Heather and Rico, -at the last ribbon day they came third, and at this ribbon day they came fifth so have been very consistent. Danielle also rode mika at the last ribbon day and came a very credible 4th… they make a gorgeous combination😊
Looking forward to the connection with obstacles clinic today !

17/04/2026

** BOTH CLINICS NOW FULL (pending deposits)… if you missed out, I am available for midweek clinics and Lessons up until the end of May, just get in touch to arrange😊

Well it’s been an awful long time since I’ve posted on here!… I haven’t disappeared, I’ve still been riding and teaching and training, …just not posting !!
So I figured it was about time to book in a couple of clinics!

16th May 10am-12pm
(Or-If you have a group of 4 or more , I can do most days mid week .)
BUILDING BRAVERY JUMPING
A clinic for people who are beginning to jump and are wanting to increase bravery and confidence in their partnership .
These are thoroughly supportive clinics, starting within your comfort zone, and gradually stretching it as you gain confidence!
We use a mixture of poles, show jumps and cross-country jumps, at heights to suit the individual.
You will not be pushed beyond what you feel safe and comfortable doing, but will be encouraged to challenge yourself.
All riders will be required to wear a regulation helmet and sensible footwear.
Groups of four- $70pp
10am-12pm approx.
Your place is secured by paying a deposit.
( I will send Account number when you register your interest)

Sunday 3rd may- 1pm-3.30pm
(Or-If you have a group of 4 or more , I can do most days mid week ).
CONFIDENCE WITH OBSTACLES CLINIC
This clinic is designed to build connection and communication using obstacles and the aim is to increase both horse and handlers confidence and bravery.
We will learn how patience and observation lead to trust and success, and about using our body language to inspire ‘try’ from our horses, as well as ground work and positioning to refine and control movements.
Predominately a groundwork clinic, suitable for those new to obstacles or with young or nervous horses.
The cost of the clinic is $85.pp, limited to 6 horses.
10am-12.30pm approx.
A deposit will secure your place- account details will be sent once you register your interest.

05/02/2026

Magic morning … Sarbi the lovely young filly I am working with at the moment was a superstar- her long reining is coming also so well, her mounting Bloch behaviour is brilliant and she stands quietly while I sit on her… And today we even rode a circle being led by Danielle . After that Danielle and I made an impromptu trip to the beach with Ricco and gelato … pure heaven !! Quick cuppa then gave Danielle a lesson on Jack -then it was time for farm chores and I walked to the Goldies on the beach. The beach was a magnet today and after work I headed back down there for a lovely swim. We live in paradise! 

22/12/2025

Here’s a photo dump of the last couple of months!!
One of my main aims when teaching is to share insight into understanding horse behaviour and body language so we can enjoy a more fulfilling successful relationship with our horses. Increasing our understanding as well as our skills enhances our ability to train effectively and with more clarity.
I also love helping people find confidence and enjoyment , and encourage people to foster empathy in training and riding .
I enjoy seeing my regular clients improve and grow in confidence and ability.

09/11/2025

Due to a couple of no-shows, it was a very small clinic today… But no less special!!
As it takes a long time to clear the arena Harrow it and set up the obstacles, I will be leaving them up for the next couple of days, I’m available for private obstacle /connection and horsemanship lessons or if you wish to come and hire the arena and obstacles $20 per person for up to an hour… you will need to book a time with me.

08/11/2025

Great Obstacle Clinic yesterday, there are a couple of spaces that have become available in today’s clinic starting at 1 pm. Message me if you’d like to join.😊 lovely day for it! 

01/11/2025

Wonderful start to a Sunday …up early to ride Rico and Gelato before Surf lifeguard training… Love being back on my boys❤️ …having started them both as youngsters, we know each other inside out🥰
We are All a bit rusty and middle aged, with various degrees of soundness but we are taking our time … warming up well before doing too much and then not going for too long that way, I feel like we’re all enjoying it.!!

01/11/2025

These are the things I have learned over the last four or five years and try to teach in my lessons and clinics… so seeing Jody Hartstone do the most wonderful job of cutting through all the jargon to the essence of what it’s all about and sharing it, absolutely fills my heart!
I highly recommend you read her posts on the Equine catalyst page. Thank you, Jody Hartstone For your perception and eloquence. 

Sunday Musings: What Does It Really Mean to Feel Safe?

If you’ve been following my recent posts — especially the ones about being safe from us and safe with us — you’ll know the word “safety” has sparked some great discussion.

Many people quite rightly think of safety as avoiding harm: not getting kicked, bitten, or trampled. It’s a big part of what I do every day as a coach — helping riders and horses stay physically safe. In fact, safety is the very first of the ISES Ten Principles of Horse Training: Regard for horse and human safety.

But lately, through personal development work, watching Warwick Schiller’s work, and my own study of Polyvagal Theory, I’ve come to realise there’s another layer — one that most of us never used to talk about...

It’s the kind of safety that happens inside.

For most of my career, I thought safety was something you could see — helmets, boots, distance, discipline. But a few years ago, I began to learn what it means for the body itself to feel safe.

Polyvagal Theory describes the nervous system as a kind of internal surveillance system, always asking one question: “Am I safe?”

When the answer is no, the body prepares for battle or escape — heart racing, muscles tight, breath shallow. When the answer is yes, the system shifts gears: heart rate slows, breathing deepens, and we can rest, learn, and connect.

Neuroscientist Stephen Porges explains it this way:
“Feelings of safety are the product of cues of safety that down-regulate threat reactions and neutralise defensive strategies.”

And Deb Dana calls that ventral-vagal state “the place where we feel grounded, organised, and ready to meet the day. Life feels manageable; we see options and have hope.”

That’s what internal safety feels like.

Horses have nervous systems, too. A horse that looks “quiet” can still be frozen inside — not safe, just shut down.

When my own nervous system is buzzing — anxious, frustrated, or distracted — the horse feels that. Their internal system asks, “Am I safe with you?”

True safety between horse and human isn’t just about preventing accidents. It’s about creating a shared state where both nervous systems can breathe. Where neither of us is waiting for the next explosion, correction, or misunderstanding.

That’s the kind of safety I want to bring into the arena:

Physical safety — so no one gets hurt.

Emotional safety — so horse and rider can learn.

Internal safety — so both bodies can rest and trust.

Next time you step into the paddock or arena, take a moment before you pick up the reins.

Notice your breath.
Take stock of things around you you can see, hear, smell, feel and taste. Ask your own nervous system: “Do I feel safe in this moment?”

Because the horse will already be asking that question about you.

30/10/2025

Some sunshine !! My horses enjoying a stint on the grass before confinement !!Great riding weather and great to be back on my horses after a break 😊… the boys are now on much needed diet and fitness regime !!